Jonathan’s POV “No one has ever shared mine and Mack’s astral projections.” Sindy tells me. “Who are you? Who is she to you?” I asked her. I know they aren’t twins. I don’t feel the same connection with her that I did with Mack. Sindy also appears to be Aaron’s mate. But she and Mack look so similar in age and appearance. They have to be related. “The mate bond drew our father, a wolf, to our mother, a witch. Our mother didn’t feel the connection and told him that. He took her by force. Kept her as his prisoner and regularly raped her to satisfy instinctual urges.” A look of disgust was apparent on her face. “When I was born, he gave me to his sister. Once I was safe in her care. He confessed everything to her. His behavior disgusted her. He threatened to kill me if she ever told anyone what he was doing. My aunt was childless and would do anything to protect me, so she kept his secret. Eight months later, she had a vision. The short version of the vision was that my
Sindy’s POV “I never expected someone as damaged as me to have a mate.” I told Aaron as I sat next to him. “You’re not damaged,” he says, putting his arm around me. “The situation you were born into was messed up. But your aunt raised you with love. You are far from damaged. You’re a survivor, a protector, a sister, and my mate.” He says as he spins around, pressing his forehead to mine. “We are two pieces of the same puzzle.” I feel calm when he touches me. That is, until my annoying wolf shouted “Mate” at me for the hundredth time since meeting Aaron. I pulled away from him. “I have to get Mack back.” “I think there is a queue for saving Mack. Jonathan is more than capable of handling the situation.” I looked at Aaron. “What do you mean by that?” I know Jonathan is a hybrid. But Aaron seems to think he can protect Mack better than I can. He snickers. “You were on your way to the River Valley Pack. Guess who is next in line to be the next Alpha there?” He nodded to
Darcey’s POV “You don’t have to do this. I am sure she will understand.” Our mom tells us all. “We don’t even know what’s going to happen.” I say to her. “How can we say no to our goddess when we don’t know what she wants?” Jack says, clearly agreeing with me. “We want to do this,” Esme then informs her happily. For me, this confirms we all want to be part of whatever is about to happen. “You’re facing the unknown and are facing it together. I am proud of you all.” Mom tells us. We all put on our pendants, knowing where we need to go. We are confident that we will be safe. Steff hasn’t gone to all this effort to cause us harm. Standing on the top floor of the palace. I am mentally preparing myself. I watched as Jack kissed Isabella. “Be safe.” Isabella tells him. I watched as Esme kissed Layton, then they hugged one another. Ayla whimpers at the sight of them. Yes, I have accomplished all my career goals. But my personal life is a mes
Aaron’s POV Before joining us in the SUV, Jacob is talking with a pack member from the Red Moon Pack. They end up shaking hands and laughing. They must be old friends, they’re very comfortable with each other. I climbed in the back with Sindy and Mack. At first, I sat nervously next to Sindy. Axel keeps insisting I mark her. But I keep telling him to shut up. This isn’t the right time or place. Sindy’s focus is solely on Mack right now. He should just feel lucky that I am taking my mate home with me. I know I feel like the luckiest man alive. I put my arm around Sindy and kissed her when she looked my way. I know the situation isn’t great, but this is the greatest day of my life. After our kiss, Sindy gives me a small smile and rests her head on my shoulder. “Is there any chance of stopping somewhere? I want to get her cleaned up.” Sindy asks. Despite the air conditioning being on, Mack’s odor was still noticeable, but I didn’t want to say anything. Jonathan’s intent
Jacob’s POV “Mom.” I shouted as I ran down the stairs. She met me in the foyer. “Mom, I need a crash course in flying,” I told her. “Jacob, it took me a long time and lots of practice.” “I need to learn how to do it right now.” I said to her through gritted teeth. Flying is the fastest way to get to Charlie. My mom looked at me and nodded her head. Gesturing for me to go outside. “For me, I need to keep a clear head, focus on my goals. My gifts are most effective that way as they are based on my emotions,” she tells me. “Mom, teach me how to fly. I need to know, like yesterday.” I barked at her. My patience is growing thin. She looks at me sternly but speaks calmly. “At first, I had to use my hands to fly. When I got more experienced, the wind flowed through my body. Your wolf is the biggest asset in the learning process.” “Okay hands,” I stood there, palms facing down. “Axel help me.” I demanded of my wolf. My eyes were closed as I felt Axel’s strength surge throu
Charlie’s POV It was as if my entire world collapsed around me. When Jacob told me about Darcey, another reminder of how badly I screwed up. I should have been there for her. No doubt someone tried to call. Alpha Ezra insisted on cutting off all forms of communication. He didn’t want anyone to interrupt the pack’s mourning period. He said “if anyone wanted to know what happened, they could drag their lazy arse’s to the Red Valley Pack and speak to him.” This was something he learned from his father. Isaac would say. “A man’s words mean nothing if you can’t look into his eyes while he is saying them. Then you can see if they are genuine.” “How has Darcey been?” I asked Jacob. Trying to break the awkward silence in the car. “Darcey is Darcey. She studies, she trains, she leads. She’s never changed.” He says before snickering. “There were a few of the major candidates that weren’t happy that so many women got the senior positions. Darcey, Addie, and Avery challenged the lot
Darcey’s POV The lake in Selene’s realm is like a window to what is going on down on earth. All you have to do is think about someone and touch the water. I’ve watched Cooper do this several times. Of course, Steff and Selene just have to wave their hands above it. It’s unnerving to think that someone can watch me whenever they like. But for days I have been watching my physical body. My family and friends come together to support each other as they worry about me. Esme never leaves my side. Telling me how much she loves and misses me. She would never say that if she knew I was watching. I have been watching my body grow weaker by the day. Then he walked in. I felt annoyed at the sight of him. “I’d always dreamed of being swept off my feet when I met my mate. You know, just like in the books.” I told Steff, who appeared by my side. “When he told me I wasn’t good enough for him. It hurt. But it made me realize I didn’t have to be good enough for him. I am Darce
Goddess Selene’s POV “I don’t want you to feel pressured into letting me take her.” I told Annie’s weeping parents. They stroked their daughter’s long brown hair. “Will she remember us?” her mom composed herself long enough to ask me. “The daughter, you know, is no longer of this world.” Her parents sobbed. “I am offering to give her body a soul.” “It’s a lot to take in, goddess.” Her father tells me. “Even seeing you here. It is unbelievable.” “I know.” Whether or not she knows it, Steff’s body doesn’t have much time left. Her frequent visits to earth and using her powers has weakened it so much, it will not last much longer. I would normally choose an infant, allowing them to grow up seeing the beauty and hatred in the world. But on this occasion, I make an exception. Annie had an accident a week ago, just before her 18th birthday. She has been in a coma since. The human doctors informed Annie’s parents that she was showing no signs of brain activity. The doctors also men